Well, not literally.
But if you’ve ever wanted to brush-up on your Christmas hymns and carols, this way is super fun! It’s the Online Christmas Songbook–featuring not only lyrics & sheet music, but a midi-track that plays along, too! With 106 songs, including “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, it’s likely that your favorite is in this list.
Pump up the volume on your computer, print out some song sheets and get your friends and family together. When was the last time you went caroling around the neighborhood?
St. Ann’s in Coppell, TX has a new group called 20 Something. And it’s just what you think: a young adult group for those in their 20’s. The opportunity to meet people who not only share your faith is great, and the best part is the potential for the inspiration to be closer to God! With events like Theology on Tap, Bible Studies, service projects, retreats and random social events (The Office watching party, anyone?), life just gets more exciting with a group like this!
If you’re in Austin, check out another group called 20 Somethings in Austin, TX. And at www.catholicyoungadults.com, you can find a whole list of national Catholic Young Adult groups. Just be sure to “shop around” if at all possible, making sure that the group you do decide to get involved with will be encouraging your faith and is orthodox.
Interested in starting a 20 Something group? As someone involved in the foundational efforts for the St. Ann 20 Something group, here’s what you need from my experience:
- Permission from your pastor
It is his Parish.
- People in their 20’s
If it’s just you, chances are there are more people out there who are interested in starting a Young Adult group, too. Talk to whoever is in charge of the bulletin about making an announcement at Mass and put a blurb in the bulletin. Set up a time to meet to make a plan for your group.
- A Plan
Start small, perhaps with a monthly event such as a Theology on Tap, which is social yet spiritually informative. Have speakers who are strong in their faith and who can offer great advice on working while living a great Catholic life. Be sure they are willing to volunteer their time, since you’re just starting up. And host it at a restaurant with a private room that you can reserve. Voilà! You have an event!
- Growth
Create leadership roles and assign leaders! At your event, give everyone a form to fill out telling you what they are looking for in the group (social events, a yearly retreat, bible studies, etc.) and start creating events more often according to the needs of your members.
If you’re just out of college, or a young professional in your 20’s, definitely check out your local 20 Something group, or consider starting one. It might just change your world…
